NEW DELHI: UP and Karnataka are set to be the first two states to install artificial intelligence (AI) systems on the front bumper of buses to avoid collisions and alert sleepy drivers. While Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is planning to install these systems in its fleet of over 12,500 buses, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is going to install them in over 500 buses, which primarily ply on long routes and during night. Officials from both the transport corporations told TOI that the pilot run of this system has been very encouraging. “We had trial run of an anti-collision system for over one year and now we are going for 10 more buses. We will also soon invite tenders for procuring them for more buses,” said a KSRTC functionary. UPSRTC managing director Raj Shekhar said they have been carrying out a pilot study in six buses for the last six months to assess the efficiency of the system. He said there has been no accident involving these six buses fitted with AI technology.

Both UPSRTC and KSRTC have used the system provided by Mumbai-based start-up Sixth Sensor Technology. Its director Paritosh Dagli said the sensor fitted at the front bumper of the bus continuously monitors objects in the range of up to 180 feet and cautions the bus driver with a beep, in case of any danger of collision. Another sensor fitted near the headlight handle cautions the driver in case of napping. “The driver needs to wave his hand across the sensor at regular intervals, which can be customised, and if he does not perform the action, the system concludes that the driver is sleepy or inattentive and it cuts off the accelerator. One he waves the hard, the accelerator is resumed immediately,” he explained.